Burisma Group owned by former Ecology Minister Nikolay Zlochevskyi became a certified partner of the US drilling equipment manufacturer – National Oilwell Varco (NOV) in Ukraine, reports BizCensor, citing company’s press release.

“In July 2016, Burisma successfully completed a comprehensive due diligence process by NOV establishing mutually beneficial cooperation both in Ukraine and abroad”, announced Burisma.

National Oilwell Varco designs and manufactures its own drilling rigs and offshore platforms providing a full range of drilling equipment. In addition, the company offers a wide range of oil and gas services.

“The contract with National Oilwell Varco will facilitate the use of innovative oil & gas equipment in Ukraine, making Burisma a key provider of latest technologies in the natural gas production sector in the country”, said the company.

The Group consists of 4 operating companies engaged in mining and production of hydrocarbons, including Energy Service Company “ESCO-PIVNICH”, “Pari”, “First Ukrainian Oil and Gas Company” and “Aldea”.

Zlochevskyi is the owner of Burisma, which was founded in 2002.

Burisma Group owns production 20 licenses in Ukraine.

In 2015, Burisma produced circa 1.2 billion m³ of natural gas. In 2016, however, the company expects to increase gas production by 50%, or 600 million m³, reaching 1.8 billion m³ of natural gas.